Q & A with Jacob M. Lambert

1. Can you tell us a little what your story, "Across the Styx of
Norway," is about?

The story's about a Native American wanting to see the Aurora
Borealis. And the journey takes him through an emotional gauntlet, one
filled with voices--and memories--of the past.

2. How did you come up with the idea?

I remember saying to myself, "I want to see the Northern Lights
before I die." And in that statement was the story. The other
stuff--mostly the whole beginning and middle--came out of nowhere,
actually. I started writing, and the story, after much pruning (and my
wife telling me to cut things), wrote itself. However, reading various
mythologies--Native American and Greek--really brought the "theme"
together, giving it meaning.

3. What is your inspiration for writing as a whole?

I'm obsessed, really. . . The characters--and their journeys--drive
me. At heart, I'm a traveler, and when I sit down to write, I
travel. To sum it up, I imagine I write to get away from the norm.

4. Could you tell us a bit about yourself?

I'm from Anderson, Indiana. I moved to Alabama when I was very
young--because my father was in the Air Force. Eventually, I served
in the U.S. Army before going to college, where I graduated with a
B.A. in English. I'm now teaching composition and, very soon, will
receive my M.A.

5. Where can listeners find more of your work?

Midnight Echo Magazine published my story, "Stinson Way: A Southern
Gothic," in their tenth issue. It's a good horror story, and perfect
for Halloween. Readers can find a copy through ME's website.

6. Any new work we should keep an eye out for?

Yes--I have a short story titled "The Julius Directive" out in
Flame Tree Publishing's Science Fiction Short Stories, an
anthology full of wonderful authors. This story placed as honorable
mention in the Writers of the Future Award, second quarter, 2015.

7. (And just for Juli's curiosity: What are you reading now?)

I'm reading the Jack Reacher series, written by Lee Child. I love the
action, intelligence of the protagonist, and pacing of the novels.

Editor's Note: If you enjoyed this story, you might be
interested in reading the whole anthology, Ain't Superstitious,
with many more great stories. It's available
on Amazon
and Smashwords.